[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 41 (Wednesday, April 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page S2876]]



     COMMENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM

  Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. President, today I want to recognize the 
achievement and success of the University of Tennessee's Women's 
Basketball Team in winning the 1997 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball 
Championship.
  Under the outstanding leadership of coach Pat Summitt, the Lady 
Volunteers have taken home the championship trophy 2 years in a row. 
These are the first back-to-back championships in 13 years, and we 
couldn't be any prouder back home in Tennessee.
  Throughout the season, the Lady Volunteers had their share both of 
tough games and exciting wins. But they proved their talent and skill 
in the end with their victory in the NCAA tournament.
  Women's basketball has become a tradition in Tennessee, and those of 
us who are fans have grown accustomed to great performances on the 
court. Over the years, the University of Tennessee's Women's Basketball 
program has attracted some of the most outstanding scholar-athletes in 
the nation, and in doing so it provides one of the most notable 
examples of sports excellence and academic superiority to be found 
anywhere.
  Coach Pat Summitt and her tremendous staff deserve special credit. 
With this victory, Pat takes the fifth NCAA title of her career, 
placing her behind only the great coach John Wooden in the championship 
tally. Pat has achieved a real milestone in winning 5 trophies in just 
11 seasons. She's been in charge of the team for 22 years now, starting 
when she was a graduate student, and only 1 year older than some of her 
players. Today, the program she worked to build and maintain has helped 
set the standard for many other successful athletic efforts in other 
universities, and women's college basketball is a national phenomenon.
  In a word, Pat is a trailblazer. She has helped raise the profile of 
the exciting sport of women's college basketball, and she's created a 
lot of new fans.
  This championship season at UT will be remembered for a lot of 
things, but most notably I believe we'll look back at the heart and the 
determination that led these women through to victory. The people of 
Tennessee, fans and UT alumni who live across the country and around 
the world are proud of this exceptional achievement.
  When the UT Women cut down the nets in Cincinnati, they took home the 
memory of a hard-fought victory across a dramatic 5-month season. In a 
team loaded up with talent, the members came together for the effort it 
took to bring home the trophy. With a record of 29 wins and 10 losses, 
the Tennessee Lady Vols came through in the clinch. They surprised 
those who counted them out. In the end, they won the final game 68-59, 
leading for the entire first half in the game against Old Dominion and 
keeping up the pressure in the second half.
  All the loyal fans of the University of Tennessee and all those who 
enjoy women's basketball have had the privilege of enjoying this 
fantastic season in a string of fantastic seasons. And with the young 
team and the new recruits, there's sure to be more excitement on the 
way in the coming years. What a great achievement this is by an 
outstanding group of athletes and coaches. Congratulations to the 
University of Tennessee Lady Vols--the 1997 NCAA champions.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Thomas). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

                          ____________________